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I teach high school botany and have a large greenhouse. What are some plants that I can grow from seed that will do well in the greenhouse.? I am from WI so there is limited light and it is heated to about 60 degrees.

Asked by: sasd

Cool season vegetables would do fine in that environment, such as brassicas and the closely related radishes, as well as leaf crops like spinach, mustard, lettuce, etc. Carrots and beets would do well, and don't forget peas. As for flowers, pansies and violas come to mind, and marigolds and petunias might do ok. Good luck

Answered by: hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-12-02

When to prune an olive tree? Have read to do so after flowering, but that will cut of developing olives. Just brought mine into the porch for the Winter. It lives outside in a pot for the summer in Swarthmore, PA.

Asked by: shsco

The old garden wisdom says, "when to prune?--> when your sheers are sharp". I agree with this; in other words, anytime.

Answered by: hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-11-27

I planted some garlic seeds (Spanish Rojas and Siciliano) 2nd week of October. Shoots are sprouting out now, about 6 inches long. Is that normal? Will it survie the winter?

Asked by: tokay

Onions and garlic are native to the middle east where they enjoy a mediterranean climate. Thus they prefer to grow in the winter months, and go dormant in the summer. They can stand a good bit of frost, and should do fine all winter in zone 7 and southward. Farther north will likely require some protection. Unfortunately, this new Burpee software package does not require you to give your location any longer, so I can only guess what your situation might be. Good luck

Answered by: hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-11-27

This year marked my first garden in many years. Due to space constraints it was small (8x16) raised bed. Good mixture of top soil, garden soil and manure. Pretty disappointed. Some insect really chewed beans, kale and broccoli. Help for next year.

Asked by: Drcsue

Please do a google search on 'square foot gardening'. It is an excellent method. Brassicas such as kale and broccoli do best in the fall, when the oncoming winter weather kills or vanquishes the pestilence, thus preserving and improving your harvest.
Good luck.

Answered by: hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-11-27

I am planting carrots. The envelope says to space the rows 12 " apart. Is this neccesary? It seems to be a waste of space in my raised bed.

Asked by: la jardinera

No, it is not necessary. That spacing is only for facilitating weeding and other cultivation. I usually grow my carrots in the 'wide row' method, which is sprinkling the seeds over a band that is ~one foot wide. The individual carrot plants will do well if they are ~2 inches apart, but can somewhat stand to grow even closer together if their soil is high quality. And do a google search on 'square foot gardening'. It is an excellent method.
Good luck.

Answered by: hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-11-27

What can I do to control/get rid of root knot nematodes in my vegetable garden?

Asked by: Yooper5228

Some plants repel or kill nematodes. I know that marigolds are know for doing this. This site sells marigold seeds call "Nema-gone". If I remember this correctly mustard is grown as a cover crop for this purpose as well. Sorry, I can't think of any other plants that could help.

Answered by: Brian from TN

Date published: 2016-11-19

I'd like to harvest some seeds from my basil for the next year. My question is, do I have to wait until the seed pods get dry while on the plant ? Or can i cut the stems with see pods (they are still green) and let it dry, then collect seeds ? Thanks !!

Asked by: Kyung

Generally, you will have the greatest chance of successful germination of your seeds if you can wait until the pods are thoroughly dry. Good luck.

Answered by: Hessianguy2

Date published: 2016-11-10

We've had an unseasonably warm fall in the south (MS) and with the days that are now in November reaching 80° days and nights around 54°...is it too late to plant lettuce varieties in zone 8? The calendar says Aug- Oct but we're already into November

Asked by: erinnsmom

Lettuce is closely related to dandelions. Most leaf type lettuces can be routinely grown all winter long outdoors in zone 8 without any protection from the cold. Head lettuce may need some protection below ~26F. Good luck.